Would a liberal, single woman be happy in Boise? (Cascade: unemployment, living)

[HoldensGma]

Originally Posted by boisefan88

This is the common complaint with Boise - it's hard to meet people because of the infamous Northwest "reserve." Its mostly that a) people like being left alone, often because they move here to "get away" from people, b) people are usually active doing their own thing, or c) there is at least the perception of the above, real or not.

I LOVE reading this! I am a loner by nature and am not into the friend thing. I am not a fan of moving someplace where people are constantly popping up at my door. I dont mind the chitchat of everyday life but just like my own space when I am home...

[Jarndyce]

If you live as close to the city as you can, than, yes, Boise should be a consideration. However, if you are politically active, than, no, do not move to Boise. Boise's weather is probably 100% better than Missoula's, but, in fairness to you, you might also consider Boulder, CO. (If you are a cutey though, than PLEASE MOVE HERE NOW!)

[truckingbronco]

It's hard to say what you would think of Boise, It has both pros and cons compared to Missoula (In my opinion). First, the political scene couldn't be more different than Missoula. Boise is extremely conservative, with the exception of a couple of small liberal pockets near the downtown area, but they could be considered moderate in most other areas. People are not afraid to discuss their politics here, even at work, because most everyone is on the same page politically. In my opinion the legislative session can be quite frustrating since Idaho seems hell bent on keeping their political ideology. For example; you can carry a gun on the capitol lawn but you can't park your car on the street behind it because they're worried that you might have a car bomb. Basically, if your politically active, be prepared to hear "that's not how we do it in Idaho" or "if you don't like it know one is making you stay".
Sorry to dwell on the politics but the OP asked.

The people in Boise are very friendly but more reserved than the folks in Missoula. The recreation is a toss-up; Boise has better skiing and mtn. biking, while Missoula has better fishing and water recreation. Boise is bigger so there is both good and bad that go along with it as well. Missoula has more festivals and such but Boise has more restaurants and shopping.

Missoula is more of a college town and while Boise has a college, it's more of a young professional and family town, so that can be both good and bad depending on your view and age. I loved Missoula in college but I think I would grow tired of living in a town that's 25% college students now. Nightlife is comparable in both places and both towns love to drink. The Mormon population and cliques that people speak of in some threads has been a non-issue for me.

Weather; Boise has nicer winters and spring while Missoula has nearly perfect summers. I would get cabin fever come February in Missoula due to the dreariness but that hasn't been a problem here. With the different climate comes much different landscape; Boise is a desert without trees (it's call the city of trees but the foothills are barren), Missoula has much more forest and water.

The economy is nothing to write home about for either but it's better in Boise and home prices are a lot lower.

This list could go on and on, and in much more detail, but I'm just trying to type what comes to mind. It's been about ten years since I've lived in Missoula, but from my visits it seems to be the same.

With all that said, and the very little I know about you, I would say that you'd probably be happier in Denver or Portland.

Just my .02, feel free to disagree.

[rickers]

If you move to Boise you will be assimilated ! You will end up marrying a red neck logger and you will end up voting republican in the next elections. There is no escape, you will be assimilated !
I'm just joking you and I'm sure you can find other folks you'll enjoy hanging out with in Boise. It's a fairly big place and there is room for everyone although the entire region is quite conservative as are also the neighboring states.

[norcalmom101]

I'm a liberal (elitist) single woman in SE Idaho and I'm happy.

[TohobitPeak]

I think there are a lot of single liberal women in Boise and I know many as I am a single liberal male
They are part of poetry slam groups in the city, literary clubs, art centered get togethers at local coffee shops, and on and on.

I think one sign that Boise attracts liberal women is the fact there are so many lesbians here which is a positive addition to the mix of people and the growing number of alternative people who call Boise home. I have heard that Boise is one of the favorite cities in the West for lesbians to relocate to- after Portland.

[boi2socal]

I think Lesbians have been in Boise for quite sometime. Did anyone see that episode of COPS in Boise? lol

[TohobitPeak]

You are correct, they have and more move here all the time.

Back to the Boise and Missoula comparisons:

Missoula is good if you are college aged and liberal, but for young adults and professional 20 and 30 years olds than no, it is a small college town, isolated.
Young single professionals will find Boise more appealing I think because it is more of a city with big city ameneties. I like Missoula for its proximity to the beauty of North Central and Northern Idaho.

There is not really a way to compare the two cities because the size difference between the two is a huge factor. Boise is going to have a lot more of almost everything a liberal single young person would be attracted to.

[HowellMorgan]

Thanks for all of your Missoula & Boise comparisons - that was really helpful to read. Boise sounds like a great place and I'm sure that for the most part, it's a wonderful place to live. I think that I'm leaning towards relocating to Albuqueruqe, though. All of your replies were extremely helpful, so thanks a lot!

[GregFromOregon]

Originally Posted by HowellMorgan

Hi, I'm looking for relocation advice please! I'm a 30, newly divorced professional woman looking to relocate to Boise from Missoula, MT. I love the outdoors, being a trailrunner and mountain biker. But, I'm concerned that Boise's social scene may be limited. Is Boise a welcoming place for someone like me: young, liberal, single, working professional? Is it fairly easy to make friends with like-minded people? I have no qualms with religion or family-focused communities, but I'm looking for a place that's welcoming for singles and liberals. I'm not huge on the bar/party scene, but I appreciate live music, good restaurants and cultural events. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

2+ million vs. 200,000 people, and a much bigger nightlife(not just the bar scene) to chose from. + your halfway between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains.